S.S. La Venezia: A Luxurious Floating Boutique Hotel
One of the many nicknames for Venice is The Floating City, and a new luxury cruise ship has sourced the inspiration for the interiors of its ‘floating boutique hotel’ from the City of Water. The completely refurbished S.S. La Venezia has been decked out in traditional Venetian-inspired designs, and its classic appeal makes it look like a modern take on the Orient Express, but on water.
With plans to set sail through the Venetian Lagoon and northern Italy in March 2021, S.S. La Venezia is part of the Uniworld collection, which seeks to emulate the destinations passengers will encounter. The ship’s interiors were crafted by Fortuny, a design house established on the Venetian island of Giudecca since 1921. This company is renowned for its handmade fabrics, the specific creation techniques of which remain a closely guarded secret.
“Over a century after its founding, Fortuny continues to prize originality, made only possible by artisans deeply committed to their craft,” said Uniworld’s CEO and President Ellen Bettridge in a statement. “For our guests, this means a setting and style of service that is wholly immersive in the enduring fascination and magic that is Venice, born from more than 100 years of experience.”
Murano glass work, bold fabric prints, and decadent wallpaper complement the sleek art deco elements found throughout the vessel. Floors are made from marble or brass-inlaid parquet, and staterooms come with huge floor-to-ceiling picture windows.
“Whether guests stay in a classic stateroom, one of the four junior suites, or two grand suites, they will experience the unmistakable essence of the city. The lobby strikes a bold resemblance to 1930s Venice,” stated Toni Tollman, one of Uniworld’s artistic directors. “Guests can see echoes of the landmark bridges in the patterns of the fabrics or references to local fish dishes, which are the basis of classic Venetian cuisine. They will also enjoy the unmistakable swirls and pops of color of Murano blown glass, another signature craft of Venice.”
Cruising has become a controversial topic in Venice due to recent years: large cruise ships—those weighing over 1000 tons—were banned from the city’s historic center in September 2019 after an incident involving a collision that injured five people. The protests have continued, emphasizing the residents’ concerns about cruise ships and large motorized boats disrupting the tranquility of the city’s waterways. Consequently, Venice has also been grappling with the challenge of over-tourism, leading the government to propose a €10 tax on day-trippers.
S.S. La Venezia accommodates 63 cabins for a maximum of 126 passengers. Rates for the Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy itinerary start at US$2899 per person.
